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CHAUTAUQUA 



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HENRY SEVERANCE. 



WHllKE K"KR 1 KOAM. WHAT E'ER 1 SEE, 



MY HEART, 



CHAUTAUQUA 



TURNS TO THEE. 



/ 




By henry severance, 

M 

DUNKIRK, N. Y. 



BUFFALO, N. Y. 
Art-Printing Works of Matthews, Northrup & Co. 

1S91. 






COPYRIGHTED, ISM. 



CHAUTAITQIIA. 



By henry severance. 



"Where e're I roam, what e'er I see, 
]My heart, Chautauqua, turns to thee ! 

[The following lines were written with the desire to 
give the jieopie of this county, us well as the public at 
large, a clearer view of the growing industries, mental and 
moral activities, and opening prospects whicli are unmis- 
takably beginning to dawn upon Chautauqua County. 
Chautauqua has the clearest and most reliable history, up 
to the time of its publication, of any county in the State. 
But the progress and development of the industries, of 
science and the arts, in the latter part of the nineteenth 
century, are being developed so rapidly that they seem to 
savor more of romance than reality. 

All of the changes from a dense wilderness in which 
the untutored savage roamed, and the more or less de- 
structive wild beast jirowled. to its present promising con- 
dition, have been wrought out since the beginning of the 
]) resent century. In fact, almost the whole change from 
primeval wilderness to ''fruitful fields and pastures 
green,'' has been wrought during the lifetime of the 
writer of this attempted epic, which is intended to suj)- 
plement, so far as possible, that history of the county for 



whicli Judge Eliiil T. Foote took such unwearied pains to 
procure facts and incidents relative thereto as they oc- 
curred, which makes it the most authentic of any in exis- 
tence. But Judge Foote is dead, and witli our feebler 
hand we, in our own way, hereby attempt to supjJenieut 
what has been so well begun by him. 

Aside from historical considerations, and speculations 
regarding past and future -developments, we endeavor to 
impress the minds of any who may peruse these lines with 
the fact that we have a most salubrious climate, and a 
soil adapted to the production of fruits successfully culti- 
vated in very limited areas elsewhere. Here vine culture 
has been constantly expanding, notwithstanding the con- 
stant predictions of failure from overdoing. Here butter 
has justly gained the appellation of gilt-edged. 

Here summer resorts and schools for instruction have a 
reputation which is world-wide. The thousands who 
seek relaxation and instruction at the various cosy retreats 
as well as at rapidly rising hamlets so fast multiplying 
along the shores of her beautiful mountain lakes, is an 
unmistakable indication of what is yet in store for her. 
The ponderous volume contain' ng the history of this 
county can fall into the hands of comjjaratively few indi- 
viduals, and it is believed that a hasty synopsis of the 
past, with what we know to be present facts, mingled 
with speculations for the future, may be acceptable to 
residents of Chautauqua, and inspire new interest, if not 
enthusiasm, far beyond her borders. 

THE AUTHOR. 
November, 1890. 



PRELUDE. 

Chautauqua ! fairest of the f ah^ 
Whose bracmg and sahibrious air, 
Which vital energy will bring, 
'Tis of thy virtues that we sing. 

Go search for health in foreign lands ; 
Climb Pyrenees, tread Egypt's sands ; 
Bask on the balmy shore at Nice, 
Or 'mong the rocky Isles of Greece ! 

If, in your long and toilsome way. 
You view the shore at Naples' baj^ ; 
Know we have equal views in store, 
Here, lying at our very door ! 

Lake Erie, with its l)illows blue. 
Gives us as broad extended view. 
As any sea or ocean can 
Display to an admiring man. 

Chautauqua Lake, too, is the peer, 
Of all the lakes, or far or near ; 
Perched on the highlands, calm it lies. 
Beneath the clearest azure skies. 

There is no lake, go far or near, 
In Switzerland ; not Windermere, 
Or Merom of the Holy Land, 
That is romanticly so grand. 



And Cassaclaga, favored spot, j 

Uni(j[ue and choicest of the lot, ' 
Wlieiv hUes l)lossom at your feet, 

A found tliis sylvan, cool retreat. j 

i 

A close and scrutinizing view, I 

These quiet lakes invite of you ; ; 

Tis here ui)on this chosen ground, ! 
Tliat health and pleasure most abound. 

Then is this county set on high. 

Betwixt Lake Erie and the sky ; ; 

To thee ! we also turn our lyre. 

And ask the Muses to inspire — ' 

And give us energy to l)ring. 

Qui' minds in tune, that we may sing. 

In truthful and becoming ways, ' 

Thy long neglected meed of praise. ] 

It tirst shall be our chief est care, i 

To ti'ace her features as they are, ' 

And with such powers as we may, | 

ChfUitaucpia truthfully i)ortray. * 

Oui* theme requires abundant nerve, j 

To riglitfully oui' subject serve : \ 

May strengthening power on us attend^ \ 

And help and inspiration lend. | 

May every word and tone, and thought, I 
Be just exactly what thej^ ought ; 
Til at when our labor shall be o'er, 
There shall be nothing to dei)l()re. 



This arduous task we trembling- take, 
To portray mountain, vale and lake, 
And speak as deftly as we can. 
Of questions here discussed by man. 

While " tossing on this sea of time/' 
We give our reasoning in rhyme, 
And your attenti(^n now is sought. 
To view the subject as you ought. 

Then listen Avhile we here unfold. 
Events which have, or not been told, 
And open up to light of day, 
The promise of our — Chautauqua! 



IIMF'RIIVI^TXJR 



With modest and becoming grace, 
We sing of Dunkirk's watering-place, 
Where weak and wan, decaying man, 
May lengthen out his earthly span. 

In detail, we proceed to tell, 
The virtues of James Nelson's well. 
Whose waters, drawn f i*om nature's fount, 
May prove to be of vast account. 

We know not their component parts, 
( Unskilled in analytic arts) ; 
But here are waters, Ave are sure. 
Will help to render life secure. 



Their ])owers are surely quite as thoro' 
As are Mt. Clemens, Oanibridgeboro\ 
Or Carlsbad, the Bohemian sj^ring, 
Or any of which the poets sing. 

Tlit'U to this fountain come and dip, 
And freely of this bev'rage sip, 
And though but feeble, wan and weak, 
Twill bring the rose hue to your cheek. 

Drink deeply, is the advice we bring. 
Then bathe in the adjoining spring. 
Or water raised from it by pump, 
Into this healing liquid jump. 

This other well so near, we think, 
Was not designed for man to drink. 
But made to heal, in Nature's plan. 
The outward as the inner man. 

Then walk you forth, inhale the breeze, 
Which sweeps across our inland seas, 
And feel your blood, as on you go, 
With increased vigor ebb and flow. 

How are those waters mixed and brewed ? 

With what ingredients indued { 

No mortal here can fully tell. 

Him only, " who does all things well.'' 

Experience shows, that drank awhile. 
It will remove superfluous bile ; 
Tone up the system, banish sigh, 
And add new lustre to the eye. 

10 



Vigor and health to all who live, 
Our zephyrs and our waters give ; 
There is no country known to-day, 
More healthful than is Chautauqua. 

Two cities grace this favored land, 
On either side on guard they stand, 
With hamlets scattered here and there, 
As other countries seldom are. 

Between these hills and waters blue, 
There are in this extended view, 
More cottages neath 'creeping vine, 
Whose denizens can say — 'tis mine ! 

And here Fredonia fills man's needs. 
From milk and wine, to garden seeds. 
And leads in intellectual rule 
By means of her — State Normal School. 

Long has she proudly held the rate. 
Of fairest village of the State ; 
Her favored lot no one disputes. 
Who has once tasted of her fruits. 

And Brocton and the hamlets west. 
It may as well be here confessed. 
For rural beauty will compare, 
With those embowered any where. 

And yet a few, it is contest, 
Will talk of Ar-a-ba, the blest, 
And search for old unique remains. 
Upon the distant, arid plains, — 




CORNER OF 
R. B. DAY'S VINEYARD OF SIXTY ACRES, DUNKIRK, N. Y. 

Wliorc tigvrs prowl iind vuiiomed snake, 
So many lives each season take. 
And tlioiiiih IK) warm and spicy gale 
Does o'er these green clnd hills prevail — 

Yet frnit and flowers and milk and wine, 
And wholesome zephrys so comhine, 
As makes this land the choicest dower, 
Bestowed on man by heavenly power. 

Pliysicians tell ns, andjtis trne, 
That mostly, maladies are dne, 
(And here let not yonr anger bnrn), 
'\\ » cnt ing much more than we earn. 




R. B. DAY'S GRAPE PACKING ROOM, SECOND FLOOR 



It need not anyone surprise, 
That we here halt to morahze, 
And say before we further go, 
There's potent virtues in a hoe. 

None e'er regret their useful deeds ; 
While with the hoe they crush the weeds, 
Also the immoral weeds, we know, 
From indolence so rankly grow. 

'Tis useful action does us good, 

Gives ample seasoning to our food, 

A remedy both safe and cheap. 

Leaves conscience (dear and sweetens sleep. 



Tlie drowsy god then kindly bends 
His wand o'er us, and silent sends 
An intlnence which often seems 
Pivciirsoi- to niost i:>leasant dreams. 

I f still Nour system seems to clog, 
Voiir circulation needs a jog. 
Re pail* at once, cind for a si)ell 
]^M'U])erate at Nelson's well. 

Do not depend on that alone 
To cleanse your system, give it tone ; 
There's health in action, stir the more 
in this pure air on Erie's shore. 

( "hautau(iua 1 O, it is so blest, 
With everything to give it zest ; 
Pure air, mineral springs, it is in fine, 
A land of milk, a land of wine. 

Among romantic lakes and hills, 
The beauty of her landscape fills 
The measure of each just desire, 
And aspirations high inspire. 

Here on a high plateau she stands. 
Her rays of light reach distant lands, 
And pilgrims fi'om all (juarters come 
To enter her curriculum. 

'I'hus from Chautauciua, as we know. 
New fires are kindled and aglow. 
Whose flames from 'round these lakes of ours 
May yet develop unknown powers. 

14 



Since Franklin, to tlie woiicrs surprise, 
Drew down the lightning from the skies, 
It has engrossed the human mind, 
Its possibilities to find. 

Some now are vent'ring to proclaim 
That life and lightning are the same ; 
That in the raging of the storm, 
'Tis seen in its unharnessed form. 

'Tis in Chautauqua that we see. 
Successful University ; 
A College to embrace the world ; 
That banner here has been unfurled. 

These plans to strengthen, broaden more. 
And reach the cottage with the lore 
That heretofore could be but had 
By some rich father's pampered lad — 

Embracing all, the young and old, 
In such an intellectual fold, 
No Concord sage, howe'er profound, 
Had opened up such vantage ground. 

Their musings fell in circles small, 
While our Chautauqua reaches all : 
The high, the low, the rich, the jxx^i-. 
To all, its benefits inure. 

'Tis bounded by no narrow creed ; 
It's a University indeed. 
Where all may at its fountain drink. 
And learn to live and learn to think. 



So there has grown up 'round this lake, 
Small coteries that meet to take 
Sweet counsel, mind with mind compare, 
( )ii N'ai'ious suhjects, sucli as are — 

( )i' may be mooted by the sage, 
( )r crai/k, so numerous in this age ; 
For on these sliores are gatlici-ed in 
Tlie votaries ot saint and sin. 

Whoso hath searched this matter, finds 
Less lazy bodies than of minds. 
And l)lessVl are they whose efforts can. 
Arouse the tliiiikiiKj part of man. 

Was it the genius of the i)lace, 
That gave this boon to all our race i 
And roused an interest profound, 
Tln-oughout this earth's remotest bound? 

This lovely lake, it is the star, 
Seen by the wise men from afar, 
And pilgrims flock together here. 
In swarms on each succeeding year. 

They come in quest of modern lore ; 
Some come to loiter on the shore : 
The more or less romantic sail 
With canvas spread to catch the gale, 

Along the shore, in every nook, 

They seek the spring and gurgling brook ; 

While sages meet and here discuss, 

In realms of science, minus — plus +. 

n; 



Some eager seek in hope to find, 
How matter does connect with mind ; 
Of the hereafter well as here, 
To probe, explore and render clear — 

To all, around these verdant hills. 
Whose scenery so with rapture fills. 
The A\' anderer from lands afar, 
Who seeks our pure salubrious air. 

Tread softly, for it may be found, 
These hills and dales are — Holy Ground. 
The tragic scenes enacted here, 
May never, yet they may appear. 

'Tis possible there may l)e found. 
Neglected on this chosen ground. 
Some ancient, hieroglyphic stone, 
A Belzoni, Champoleon — 

Or their successors, yet may scan. 
And history rare, reveal to man, 
A stranger story yet unfold. 
Than seers of early ages told. 

But now oblivion has the stand. 
Waves her dark wand o'er all this land ; 
The lurid scenes so long ago. 
So hidden we may never know. 

Perhaps these skies, serene and clear. 
Have witnessed scenes of horror here, 
In long past ages, who can say. 
What carnage and what bloody fray — 

i; 



Have often drenched with human gore, 
These wooded vales, this verdant shore ; 
And where now peace and quiet dweh, 
Have been enacted scenes, to tell — 

Of all tlicir horrors and tiieir fears. 
Of shouts of conquest and the tears 
Of anguish for the hosts betrayed, 
And slfiughter by the victors made — 

On many an unknown battle field ; 
C.'ould they but faintly be revealed, 
Hccorded fields of ghastly fame, 
Miglit seem but innocent and tame. 

Xo legend n(^w survives their deed, 
But few the marks remain to lead 
The searcher in his arduous task. 
Such hidden mysteries to unmask. 

We have the arrow head and s})ear, 
So often found, now there, now here, 
And tumuli and crumbling mound. 
Where 1)on(^s nnd pottery are found. 

And yet we cannot help but think. 
That where whole tril)es became extinct, 
And dim traditions clearly show, 
Extermination at a blow — 

Tlie rising or the setting sun. 
Has se(>n some cruel slaughter done ; 
A\\(\ 1 hough 'tis now a peaceful shore, 
Has many times been drenched with gore. 

18 



Here savage life had every wish, 
On land the deer, in lake the fish, 
And numerous trails as we now know. 
Led o'er these hills toward Ohio. 

Here was the shortest land route found. 
From Cat Lake to the " bloody ground," 
And doubtless oft destructive frays. 
Occurred along these Indian ways. 

'Mong savage tribes, it is most plain, 
Peace cannot hold unbroken reign ; 
But turmoil, feud and constant strife, 
Where clans exist are ever rife. 

Could those whose blood may have been shed, 
Be raised again up from the dead ; 
Translated from the ensanguine fray. 
To view these peaceful scenes to-day — 

Behold the tall and graceful spire. 
That points to'ard heaven's ethereal fire. 
With beauties rare in every nook. 
Which they so long ago forsook, — 

How would their souls with ardor burn, 
Could they once more to life return. 
And join the surging throng that wake, 
New echoes on this lovely lake. 

The red men who have passed these bounds ; 
Gone to their " Happy hunting grounds," 
Perhaps by torture or by flame, 
Gone and forgotten e'en by name. 

19 



We, in our fancy, see them stand, 
lilank strangers in their native land, 
Whose sudden step from fields of gore, 
To tliis now pleasure seeking shore, — 

Might well api)ali the strongest man. 
That ever lead a conquering clan, 
And slew his hundreds with his spear ; 
How would he feel, rei)lace him here? 

It was enough for them to know, 
Ejich other tribe must be their foe ; 
Time never was, but that the clan, 
Made l)arbarous the av'rage man. 

tlad it been destined by the Fates, 
To sei)arate the United States, 
A tliousand years would not suffice, 
To ]tay the costly sacrifice. 

Here this wild race, the best they knew, 
Propelled their light birch bark canoe ; 
New scenes upon their vision break, 
In mode of traversing this lake. 

Such troubled waters, clouds of smoke, 
Had not upon their vision bi-oke, 
With screeches horrible and dire. 
Here born of water and of fire. 

These large canoes, with hearts ablaze. 
Would with astonishment amaze, 
T'hose ancient warriors should they come 
To view again their former home. 



Even La Salle and Hennepin, 
Could th(\v but see these lakes again : 
View Erie's and Chautau({ua's shore 
After two hundred years and more. — 

See jKmd'rous shij)swith breath of smoke, 
Such in their day, had never broke 
The stillness of Chautauqua's lake. 
Where now so many come to take, — 

Their summer outing, recreation, 
And send a blessing to each nation ; 
Enlighten all despotic powers, 
With tires from this free land of ours. 

Chautauqua's fame shall never fail ; 
'Tis borne abroad on every gale, 
To furtherest of earthly bounds, 
Thy name, Chautauqua, now resounds. 

When Agamemnon, to destroy. 
The temi)les of the ancient Troy, 
Had filled old Priam's heart with fear, 
None know what was enacting here ! 

They had no Homer to, in verse, 
Their martial valor to rehearse, 
Sing of the wild and bloody fray. 
And crown their victors of the day. 

This is the point m which they failed ; 
No scribe to tell how greaved and mailed. 
Were those who lead in the avaunt. 
Eclipsing deeds of Sherman, Grant, — 



And others of our modern time, 
Whose names now ring in prose and rhyme. 
Hereafter may such anthems cease, 
Because of Universal Peace. 

It is hut reason we infer. 
They only lacked a chronicler, 
But as no chronicler was sent, 
Down to ohlivion they went, 

They were as able to destroy, 
As Ajax at the siege of Troy ; 
For martial prowess every one, 
Was equal to a Telamon. 

How many tribes which now are not, 

In legend and in song forgot, 

With disappointment sorely tried, 

Have fought, were conquered and have died. 

For them, no scribe in song has told. 
The secrets that the past now hold ; 
No epic lay our blood arouse. 
No garlands bind their dusky brows. 

Their mounds, important in their day, 
Where statesmen and their warriors lay, 
Emit no ray of hopeful cheer. 
Unbroken silence reigning here. 

Though epic of the poet's brain 
Forever silent must remain, 
Yet dust of heroes surely may 
Be pressed beneath our feet to-day ! 

u 



'Tis now as in the ancient years ; 

We risk our lives to win the cheers 

Of victory ; time has not been 

When plaudits cease for conquering men. 

Where Arkwright's forests lift on high 
Their towering branches to the sky, 
E'en there, were paths by people trod, 
Who never heard of Christian God. 

These narrow paths and speechless mounds 
Were left for other " hunting grounds," 
Perhaps reluctantly gaA^e place 
To a more warlike, ruder race. 

Along these shores the Eries dwelt ; 
By war's dread ordeal they melt. 
Not wasted by a, slow decay. 
But swept by violence away. 

This numerous nation of the Cat, 
Which long by Erie's waters sat, 
Pursued their game through tangled nook, 
Along the banks of Crooked Brook, 

In forest denser than we know 
Can ever on the highlands grow ; 
Where, 'mong the thorny l)ram])le vins^ 
Crept wild cat and the porcupine. 

They thoughtless roamed, did not divine 
The future, rich in milk and wine ; 
Nor could they inspiration take 
From views of highland, vale, or lake. 

•.'5 



These nuiirioiis fields so richly (li*ai)e 
With clusters of the ripening gra})e, 
Were never, as it clearly seems. 
A jmrt and parcel of their dreams. 

None have a knowledge sure of where 
E'en a small remnant of them are. 
They met disaster and defeat, 
Extinction, final and complete. 

All tribes and clans have constant fear 
Of foes in ambush lurking near ; 
The Hebrew, Scotch and Indian clan 
Have ever been the bane of man. 

The Tuscaroras, Iroquois, 
Did not their victory long enjoy ; 
A pale faced people led the dance, 
The sons of Britain and of France. 

At what we call an early day 
These i)arties fought {for right of way), 
And in their strife to extend their bounds 
They drove the Indian from these grounds. 

From the big tree at Walnut Creek, 
Their devious ways o'er hills they pick, 
To reach meandering streams that fiow 
To La Belle River, Ohio. 

The streams that reach Lake Erie's side, 
Or south to Connewango glide, 
Were used at no far distant day 
As landmarks, and to guide the way 

26 



Of the invader, and, we think, 
Were held as an important hnk — 
Strategic points, that when once gained, 
Must at all hazards be maintained. 

The rovers from a foreign shore 
Did naught l)ut fight, defend, explore, 
And to their people point the way 
To this fair land of Chautauqua. 

A different class succeeded here. 
Felled the dense forest, slaved the deer, 
And introduced the sheep, the cow, 
The laboring ox and breaking plow. 

They came without the trumpet's blare ; 
They came to toil, privations share ; 
They came with toilsome step and slow, 
And sufferings we may never know. 

Before their slow and toilscnne tread 
The wild beast and the savage fled. 
The woods receded, and the plain 
Showed ample fields of waving grain. 

Now everywhere abroad is seen 
The vineyard and the pasture green, 
Where fleecy flocks and looing herds, 
And hum of bees and song of birds. 

And fruits and flowers that help to ])lease. 
And add to our enjoyment, these 
Make our Chautauqua far more fair 
Than many other countries are. 

27 



We can't conceive, dear friend, can you '. 
( )f any more delightful view. 
As we along the highlands go, 
And gaze on landscape far below. 

And still beyond the billowy lake, 

1 )ini views of Canada can take. 

Where French and English fume and fuss, 

And will until they come to us. 

So vast, enchanting to the eye. 
This blending of the lake and sky, 
With vineyards garnishing the shore, 
What can the seeker wish for more i 

'Tis meet that lands along this plain 
Should vie with choicest lands of Spain, 
And longer to our race endure 
Than old Grenada to the Moor. 

'Mid summer skies Grenada lay 
To catch warm breeze from Africa, 
By loar she was of lands bereft ; 
Chautauqua cannot so be left. 

Here fair Lake Erie lies in view. 
With brightening tints of virgin blue ; 
And here her cooling summer breeze, 
So gently stirs the aspen leaves, — 

Whose cleanly shore and pebbly beach. 
Invites to all within its reach, 
To bathe in waters pure and clean, 
As any that the world has seen. 



No feiirful shark or monster snake, 
Inlial)its this cerulean lake ; 
No batliuig places e'er known before, 
C)an e(iual our Lake Erie shore. 

But when aroused her billows rise, 
And madly lash the trembling skies, 
'Tis not destruction they foretell. 
But just to wash the bottom well. 

In olden times when thrashed by flail, 
The chaff was blown off by the gale ; 
And water undisturbed, 'tis said. 
Will breed the pestilence so dread. 

Now here's a transformation scene — 
Compare the noiv with what has been ; 
The people who lived by the chase, 
Are wasted and have given place, — 

To other races, which to-day. 
Have made the name of Chautauqua, 
A power so forceful it does seem. 
To reach the earth's remote extreme. 

Where brutal forces once were rife, 
We see an intellectual strife ; 
The brute in man no longer reigns, 
The present conflict is with brains. 

Our wildest hopes her future fills, 
Her vineyards crown her sloping hills, 
And Ceres sits serenely here. 
With " Horn of Plenty full each year." 

30 



" Look not," it has of old been said, 
" Upon the wine when it is red ; " 
But let us calm our rising fears, 
Chautauqua wine is that which cheers. 

Use it with prudence as you should, 
It will not fail to do you good ; 
Not to excess and on the sly, 
Take Paul's advice to Timothy ! 

Be moderate and only "take, 
A little for your stomach's sake," 
For no good thing was ever used, 
But will by some one be abused. 

The air we breathe, inhaled too fast. 
Will hasten on our death at last. 
The vast importance thus is seen. 
Of living near the " golden mean." 

From Noah's day, all down the line, 
Of history, profane, divine, 
The record does this fact disclose. 
That wine and nectar freely flows. 

In olden times the gods of Greece, 
Drank nectar in their Sjyasms of peace, 
Their leisure hours were mostly spent. 
Promoting human discontent. 

So, " Looking Backward," to the time. 
When Homer in immortal rhyme. 
Wrote nectar was — (mie ken the odds), 
Peculiar tipple of the gods, — 

31 



So furious they became, we think, 
They oft indulged in stronger drink ; 
No one then dreamed, or coukl divine, 
Of virtues of Cliautauciua wine. 

But here she sits and points with pride 
To vineyards on her broad hillside, 
And holds that products of the vine, 
Kxert an influence benign. 

Yet myriads who with strength were rife. 
Have paid the forfeit of their life. 
Because they did not in their might. 
Control a raging appetite. 

These views with all may not accord, 
By some ajjproved, by some abhorred ; 
When all aUke this thing shall see, 
Then the Millennium will be. 

And as the culture of the grape, 
Is fast assuming broader shape ; 
The only (juestion is to-day, 
How much more profit will it pay? 

This western county of our State, 
Stands at no low and second rate, 
As she so grandly sits on high. 
Between Lake Erie and the sky, — 

And sends abroad towards distant seas. 
Such fruits as doth the palate please. 
No other land was ever found, 
Where such advantages abound. 

■.VI 



She stands alone on merits rare, 
Which only need the proper care, 
To send abroad in volume more, 
The choicest products of the shore. 

Her vine-clad hills, from whence we take, 
Extended views of land and lake ; 
And nowhere else can views like these, 
Be had of our " unsalted seas." 

Here, those who choose can walk the beach, 
On many a long extended reach, 
Where quiv'ring leaves of aspen shake, 
Stirred by the zephyrs from the lake. 

Our Lakelets, too, invite to rest, 
Are scattered through from east to west. 
And though their history we abridge, 
They set like diamonds on this ridge — 

That does our County so divide. 
Having a north and southern side. 
The south, where milk and honey flow, 
The north, where fruits delicious grow. 

So here's Chautauqua, vales and hills ; 
Her fame the distant country fills ; 
Her products are of fruits most rare ; 
And blessed with most salubrious air. 

These teachers at our rural lakes. 
Largely of ancient form partakes ; 
Had they our Press, 'tis safe to say, 
Egypt and Greece would lead to-day. 

3:3 




DR. HENRY RAYMOND ROGERS REACHING OUT INTO 
INTER-PLANETARY SPACE. 



Since first in heaven this earth has rolled, 
Man has heen trying to nnfold, — 
To rightly read Creatioii's plan, 
Or Evolution's forces scan. 



:54 



The orator, in times of old, 
Had on the mass, a firmer hold, 
Was more a leader hi the van, 
Than any modern speaker can. 

Never were sages well agreed. 
They differ widely in their creed ; 
Some philosophical " old codgers," 
Are nonplused by our Doctor Rogers — 

Who will insist on what he's done ; 
(' Tis colder as we near the sun,) 
And urges this — (no new device,) 
Our mountains reach — perpetual ice. 

While old professors fail to scan, 
The Doctor's new electric plan. 
Are some, it is no special wonder, 
Already try to — " steal his thunder." 

If he succeeds in this, now mark ! 
And proves the sun both cold caul dark, 
And shows conclusive, he is right, 
The Sim is an — Electric Light ; — 

Yet this is plain, that not by wire, 
Do we receive electric fire. 
But this one fact we'd gladly know . 
Is Sol. a monster Dynamo ? 

By various facts so partial shown. 
There's more ahead to yet he known ; 
The Doctor's theme must greatly stir 
The savant and astronomer. 

35 



Old theories — we state it kindly — 
Are often followed close and blindly ; 
The tendency of later ages 
Is to confront the ancient sages. 

In early times, as we are told. 
When in the heavens the thunder roird, 
And stalwart oaks the lightnings clove, 
Twas deemed an evidence that Jove 

Was in a state of furious rack, 
Astride the storm-cloud, dense and black. 
This subtle force (now do not start) 
We harness to a — donkey cart. 

The power that Franklin, with his kite. 
Brought down from heaven's ethereal height, 
Is now controlled by man, and greets 
The nightly wanderers on our streets. 

Since we control this subtle force. 
Through search by Franklin and by Morse 
And Edison, it seems it may 
More wond'rous parts in future play. 

Tis friction of cold, inert things 
To light such powerful forces brings ; 
Tis friction with a mind with mind 
Excites and stimulates mankind. 

By friction, if we do not tire. 
The coldest block shows signs of fire ; 
By action, heat is sure begot, 
AVhile laziness sits down to rot. 

36 



Ill this live world, without a doubt, 
It's " what we don't do wears us out ; " 
And though development is slow, 
The march is onward, as we know. 

While some are trying to explore 
I u reahns of science, many more 
Ai-e lahoring to display the fruits 
Of industry in home pursuits. 

Our duty first is, that we ought 
T(j give all aid to human thought, 
And hring the subtle powers we find 
To strengthen and expand the mind. 

Ancjther factor still remains, 
A broader call for use of brains. 
He who but adds a single plum 
To the world's pixxhict, helps it some. 

The brooks are small, and yet they make 
The river and the broadening lake, , 
Around which we so fondly cling. 
And of their features aim to sing. 

How many waste their lives away 
On futile i)leasures of the day ; 
The first rebuff, however slight, 
They vanish, and are gone from sight. 

Cliautau(|ua County is to-day 
Indebted to Elisha Fay, 
But for whose energy and thought 
One industry had come to naught. 

38 




H. G. BROOKS. 



His firm persistence to prevail, 
Wlien |)rudent friends his Avork assail, 
Made all these vine}'ards, which we scan, 
Result from this determined man. 



So Dunkirk, as it cleai'ly looks, 

Was more than saved by H. G. Brooks ; 

Another man deserving well, 

Of honors more than we can tell. 



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For he who has the gift and can 
Control, direct, the average man. 
And has the patience and the nerve 
To watch and wait 'tiU time shah serve, 

Deserves the thanks and commendation 
Of each succeeding generation. 
Yet we withhold from those who live 
The i^laudits to the dead we give. 

No monuments have ever " rose " 
Commemorating deeds of those 
Who join in clamors of the day 
For hours less and greater pay. 

All forced conditions interposed 
Bring business to disastrous close. 
And nothing should restrain a man 
From being employer when he can. 

These combinations in the dark, 
Which do this age so plainly mark, 
And seem so popular, we know, 
Chautauqua want developed so. 

So here we now present to view 
Of energetic men a few, 
Who by their vigor and their skill 
Have pushed their business on until 

They have secured a business plant ; 
With them there's no such word as can't. 
We welcome such in fields of work 
Remaining vacant in Dunkirk. 

41 




R. MULHOLLAND. 



This county's full of roads to wealth 
To those who have their hands and health ; 
But wealtli and fame are not the boon 
To liim who loiters in saloon. 



Or him whose low and only call 
Has been no hig-lier than base ball. 
We only make this strong aggression 
Against tliis game — as a profession. 









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WM. MARTIN. 



We know the muscles get their size 
From constant manly exercise. 
The feats displayed by acrobat 
Are ruinous — now mind you that ! 



Here we've enumerated some 
Of those we know and near at home, 
And joyfully we give them place 
As benefactors of their race. 

44 



And all who have the brains to fill 
Such ])laces, find them open still. 
And waiting for the coming man, 
To lead, direct, perfect and plan. 

The weak of nerve, the stupid, slack, 
Must take position further back ; 
They often spend their strongest powers 
For greater pay and fewer hours. 

Did eacdi man clearly see his place 
In this our brief terrestrial race. 
And be intent with heart and will 
To nobly his position fill. 

And fully feel his high behest 

To in his calling do his best. 

What beauties would be found in store 

Along Lake Erie's southern shore. 

Should all our peoi)le feel they're sent, 
And work with solely one intent 
To make a garden, as they may. 
Of nil this land of Chautauqua, 

How would these shores ^vith beauty bloom, 
And pave the way, with ample i-oom, 
For millions here to live with ease 
On shore of our unsalted seas. 

And as we think enough is said, 
We hope that all may now be led 
To right conclusions, and to send 
This little booklet to some friend 

46 



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O 




ALEXANDER WILLIAMS. 



We hope, and here that hope express, 
Well not again so far digress ; 
'Tis only done to clear the way 
For what we further have to say, 



For be it known, Ijoth far and wide, 
Chautauqua has been oft belied, 
And Dunkirk, this our chosen spot, 
A more than equal portion got ; 

47 



And for long years she quiet lay, 
While every would-be wit would say, 
With mocking and contemptuous tone, 
Of ruined hopes, she stands alone. 

Has been traduced, belied and cussYl, 
And only lingered 'cause she must ; 
Yet she remains, with beauties rare 
She's willing with the world to share. 

Her skies are as cerulean blue 
As any spread to human view. 
And shining orbs, so twinkling bright 
Adorn and beautify the night. 

Her landscape can with beauty vie 
With any lands beneath the sky. 
And this, in brief, is our design. 
To show how rich in milk and wine 

These lands that by Lake Erie lie. 
And ripen fruits beneath a sky 
Our feeble powers can scarce depict ; 
We own up beaten — derelict ! 

We hold Chautauqua's greatest charm. 
Is that ten acres makes a farm ; 
On such small grounds 'tis safe to tell, 
A home can be supported well. 

So all this land, this land of love. 
From Erie's shore to peaks above, 
And south in greater an area. 
Was wisely fashioned, as we see. 

4'.l 



Lake Erie has been kiKjwn abroad, 
As restless, and by some abhorred, 
Has been niahgned, but stiU we hold, 
Hast striking virtues yet untold. 

At times when wintr\' winds prevail, 
And zephyrs change to raging gale, 
And her chilled waters meet the strand, 
In seeming anger 'gainst the land, — 

'Tis Nature's method to insure. 
And keep her crystal waters pure. 
As action has effect the same, 
To renovate the human frame. 

By having life we would infer, 
It was designed that man should stir ; 
On other grounds we cannot see 
How man surpasses stone or tree. 

Chautauqua lands, as may be shown, 
Produce but little, left alone ; 
With industry they will disclose, 
And "bud and blossom as the rose." 

Then let us up and learn to do. 
For know the useful is the true. 
Time tlies so swift, it greatly needs 
To be employed in worthy deeds. 

The Fates, those sisters with their shears. 
Clip off in haste the fleeting years ; 
Too much of life is thrown away 
On mere amusements of the day. 

r)0 



The strange delusion seems to gain, 
That useful labor, in the main, 
Is sordid, which we should discard 
For recreation much more hard. 

More cultivate, we think 'tis plain. 
The brawny muscle than the brain ; 
Enquiring children, day by day, 
Have their enquiries turned away. 

When all of parents, if they must 
Have children, feel their sacred trust ; 
And make the fireside at their home 
A place where children gladly come ; 

And of all questions seek to find 
Solutions, which the infant mind 
Begins to ponder, as the light 
Dawns on its tender, opening sight. 

When this rule shall be holding sway 
Among the hills of Chautauqua, 
Then will her children more advance 
Than such as have the present chance. 

The ruling college for the mass 
Must be within the infant class. 
For nowhere should more wisdom come 
Than in the college at the home. 

We thus digress, because we hope 
Chautauiiua may successful cope 
In mental and in moral worth 
With the most favored lands of earth. 

52 



We wise in all things to excel, 
In morals and in mien as well, 
As in the landscape idew we take 
Between the highlands and the lake. 

Nor do we willingly abridge 
Our landscape view beyond the ridge. 
But cannot from experience say 
As much as of the lands this way. 

But surely everyone should take 
A view of that romantic lake. 
Whose outlet, should we dare to draw 
Comparison with Oclawaha, 

Chautauqua will, as all may see. 
So vastly more romantic be. 
Here romance and instruction blend ; 
Abroad a genial influence send. 

Our intellectual " Grates Ajar," 
Inviting all from near and far. 
To once a short excursion take. 
And visit this romantic lake. 

'Tis picturesque ! so poised on high ; 
Above, a clear and azure sky : 
Surrounded by the verdant hills, 
Which all with perfect rapture fills. 

No foreign land known to exist. 
So free from deleterious mist ; 
Where choicest products of the ground 
In such variety abound. 

53 



And ])erries. sweetened by the breeze, 
So melt upon your tongue, 'tis these, 
With exercise and Dunkirk water, 
Will brace you thoroughly, or ought to. 

A widening view now let us take, 
And careful observation make 
Ot other scenes which so abound, 
And in profusion here are found. 

'T would be neglectful, should we fail 
T( ) note thy charms, sweet Lily Dale ; 
A charming place which all should see, 
As charming as a charm can be. 

This " Free Association Ground," 
Which Cassadaga's Lake surround, 
On Pomfret's southern border laid. 
Has not been thoroughly displayed. 

Tis here the spirits of the dead ; 
It's so believed, and so 'tis said. 
Commune with mortals, and declare 
They are not homesick where they are. 

They say the spirit runs no race 
To some far-off, imagined place ; 
For Heaven and Hell, as they avow 
Are ever present, here and now. 

Are liberal, do not condemn 
All those who fail to see with them. 
And have no creed to be revised. 
Worshiped, rejected, or despised. 

54 



Some say, their interest to advance, 
They mix rehgion with the dance ; 
And they ask why (a seeming riddle) 
A harp is holy — sin, a fiddle ? 

Still some outsiders can't tell whether 
This mix of heaven and hell together, 
And deftly stirred, is good, or worse 
Than the original wholesale curse. 

As they deny the Christian plan 
Of " Three in One," as taught by man, 
We call attention for their sakes. 
They have a "Trinity" of lakes. 

Tis not for us to explain the cause, 
Or analyze the ruling laws, 
That lead men reared up side by side 
To hold to theories so wide. 

'Tis plain to the least practiced eye 
Chautauqua County can supply. 
In fruits and flowers and moral themes, 
A large supply of facts and dreams. 

Whoso shall ride to Lily Dale 
In quest of pleasure, cannot fail 
To be enraptured with the scene 
That lies the lake and sky between. 

Whether you go on either way. 
To Lily Dale or Chautau(iua, 
The sky, the lake, and bordering land 
Presents a scene sublimely grand. 

56 




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No lovelier place can ever be 
Than shore of this " unsaltecl sea/' 
Where Nature s forces so comljine 
To bless this land of " milk and wine." 

Traverse this country o'er and o er, 
From Brokenstraw to Erie's shore, 
No pestilential spot is found, 
But all is most salubrious ground. 

Here pestilence was never sent ; 
Here cheeks with roseate hues are blent ; 
Here spirits now commune with man, 
And here's developed all that can, — 

By human means be e'er exposed ; 
By spirits of the dead disclosed ; 
Or taught of science from the books, 
Or lecturers among these nooks, — 

Or basking on the embowered shore, 
Never so occupied before. 
This search for culture, in our view, 
To expanding intellect is due. 

Van Buren's charms also invite, 
To seek repose within its site ; 
And all these headlands we espy. 
That facing the cool breezes lie, — 

When Sol. darts out his fiercest rays, 
Where herds in swelt'ring pastures graze ; 
Yet here, the gently cooling breeze. 
That lightly stirs the trembling leaves, — 

58 



And woos to slumber and to rest, 
And calms the fevered, aching breast; 
' Tis here the weary leave their cares, 
Imbibe new vigor unawares. 

And on Point G-ratiot, by our bay. 
We can with truth sincerely say. 
That on no other chosen ground, 
Can more salubrious place l)e found. 

These ample groves, whose genial shade, 
Has on our nerves a quiet laid 
With air so still, it scarcely stirred, 
The plumage of a sleeping bird — 

As wandering on, unconscious where. 

Inhaling the salubrious air. 

Until upon our vision burst. 

The glorious charms of — Hickoryhurst. 

Far on the left, the expanding sea ; 
From Sturgeon Point to Point Pellee, 
At times presenting aspects drear. 
Brings health and vigor to us here. 

No other countries so combine. 
Salubrious breeze with milk and wine, 
And fruits and flowers as seldom viewed, 
In such high northern latitude. 

And may Chautauqua's beauties be, 
To all the world forever free ; 
Like Janus' Temple, shut to seers. 
But twice in seven hundred years. 



Between these hills which seem to try, 
To lift their summits to the sky, 
And Erie's billows past control, 
Which in majestic grandeur roll, — 

And where the vineyards deck the plain, 
And rival lands of France and Spain ; 
Here is a reach of country where, 
Are showered blessings past compare. 

' Tis wise, as we must surely find, 
To firstly cultivate the mind, 
Then train our muscles as we can. 
In w^ays of usefulness to man. 

' Tis diligence in useful ways, 
That builds us uj), foundation lays. 
For wealth or honor, justly due, 
To him Avho keeps right ends in view. 

What others toil for, oft in vain, 
Will flourish on our hill and plain ; 
But care and watchfulness is due, 
Which if bestowed with lal)or too,— 

Will sure supply all various needs, 
To him who properly proceeds, 
To cultivate such fruit and vine. 
As taste or interest may incline. 

Here science holds her mental court, 
And here religion '' Holds the Fort.'' 
Departed spirits filled with cheer. 
Are oft " materializing " here. 

GO 



So saint or sinner, at these lakes, 
In his own way his comfort takes ; 
Each builds his cottage as it seems. 
To suit his taste or suit his means. 

Some temples grace Chautauqua's shore, 
While meekness rears a cottage lower. 
And some who wish to save expense. 
Or otherwise, recline in tents. 

Good taste prevails in most they make, 
Around Chautauqua's sparkling lake. 
Both on the water and the shore, 
But little can be asked for more. 

Of all nomenclature we spy. 
Which shows offensive to the eye ; 
Uncommon name that looks like sin. 
We only see but one — Wooglin I 

From a dark spot she lifts her head, 
A frowning form of India red, 
Contrasting strangely with the cheer, 
Which at all other points appear. 

It has an air of ghosts and spooks. 
Like Bluebeard's castle, some it looks, 
Presents a drear unlovely sight, 
To those who pass it in the night. 

The headlands on broad Erie's lake, 
' Gainst which remorseless billows break, 
Lifts up as in the days of yore. 
Their frontlets high along the shore. 

61 



Here they have stood with crests on high, 

Tile niii-iiii;' Itillows to defy ; 

And hei'e may they forever stand, 

The hnlwarks of our chosen land. 

This lake of such extended view. 
So lying neath a sky of blue. 
Has spells in which its billows rise, 
In seeming anger 'gainst the skies. 

Oft calm, serene, with beauty blent, 
She looks the picture of content : 
At various times has clearly shown, 
She has a temper of her own. 

It clearly should be understood. 
Her waters are both pure and good : 
It should be so, and is, we think. 
For 'tis the water that we drink. 

So with pure water, milk and wine. 
And wholesome breezes we incline, 
To think our county far more bless'd, 
Than any one, or all the rest. 

' Tis time to close remarks, and yet, 
Some tomes of history may be writ, 
Which should the world's attention draw, 
To places on Oan-a-da-wa. 

Here the first victory of the war, 
Of eighteen twelve Avas struggled for ; 
The British thought by crafty trick, 
To capture salt boats, in this creek. 

62 



To their surprise, let truth be told, 
They counted not on Mother Cole, 
Whose husband was detained away, 
To fill the army of that day. 

She mounted on an antic pony. 
Aroused the people at Fredonia, 
And lead them in that deadly fray. 
And won 'gainst British troops, the day. 

Behind that row of oaks that reach. 
And fasten rootlets in the beach, 
She here from Britain, victory wrung. 
Her praises are as yet unsung. 

Our people should not only bless 
The hero, but the — hero-ess ; 
Paul Jones was not in valor richer. 
Than Mother Cole and Molly Pitcher. 

This land is rich and running o'er, 
With legends of historic lore. 
Her history should be writ again 
To chronicle the feats of men. 

It's true, it is not mere pretend, 
Romance and history often l)len(l ; 
Romance is tame, needs forceful pushing, 
To rival our commander Cushing I 

When this our bold Chautauqua boy, 
Resolved to — Rebel Ram destroy ; 
The "gods of war" look down with fear, 
To see what he was daring here. 

63 



Feats of the gods in Homer's day, 
Compared with Cushing's were l^iit play ; 
The record he so boldly made. 
Will place Achilles in the shade 

In war's dread conflict on this lake, 
Cc^mmander Perry ' twas who spake 
This message to onr ruling powers ; 
'' We've met the enemy, they're ours ! " 

So Perry, Gushing, Mother Cole, 

May well be set to head the roll 

Of i)atiiots who fought and died, 

Their country's stay, their country's pride. 

The heroes of an earlier day, 
Had as important i^art to play. 
As those who later wore the gyves. 
And to their country gave their lives. 

Men of to-day, by Mammon led, 
Seemed to forget what ' twas we said, 
To those who left their homes, their all. 
Responding to their country's call. 

They stand aghast at even mention, 
Of doing out a meager pension ; 
They treinl)ling stood in days of yore, 
When called," Three hundred thousand more.'^ 

Then settlers on Lake Erie's shore. 
Their disappointments stoutly bore ; 
They labored early, long and late. 
Were stalwart builders of the State. 

64 



They lived most hcird, laborious lives, 
Were constant toilers, and their wives, 
Were counteri)arts, in part or whole, 
Of patriots like Mother Cole. 

Here intellectual growth is found ; 
Here health and vigor most abound ; 
Among oui' hills, around our lakes, 
The wise man his siesta takes. 

Theology is at his call. 

The old, the new, or none at all. 

And temperance men or those who drink. 

Of wine or water, will we think, — 

Find that sojourning here with us. 
Will make their morals none the worse, 
But give them strength to meet the ills, 
This life of ours so amply fills. 

We hold out no delusive hope, 
That indolence can equal cope, 
AVith industry, for Nature's plan, 
Was formed for tlie industrious man. 

To those who groan with foul disease. 
Contracted by a life of ease, 
No zepliyr from expanding lake, 
Or mineral waters they may take, 

Or fruits ih(W pluck from vineclad dalt^s 
Swept by the mildest, purest gales. 
May fail to shun the stroke of fate. 
Or slowly must recuperate. 



Whoso is seeking earthly spoils, 
Content to grasp another's toils, 
Obtained by crafty devious ways, 
Whose only care is — that it pays, — 

^ Tis hoped theyll seek some other place, 
To propagate and rear their race ; 
And here we solemnly avow, 
We have such in great plenty now. 

Our object thus, has mostly been, 
To show the diligent may win. 
And also to distinctly state, 
Their chances to recuperate, — 

And have restored their normal powers, 
In this salubrious clime of ours. 
And here we give our — cva revoir, 
Chautauqua is Excelsior. 



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